Bryson DeChambeau acknowledges YouTube’s role in his 2024 U.S. Open win

He scrambled for par on the last hole to shoot 6-under for the tournament, finishing with a one shot lead over Rory McIlroy. It took a difficult bunker shot to set up the winning putt. No player all week made par from that bunker.

The electric relationship between DeChambeau and the crowd was palpable throughout all four rounds. He fist-pumped clutch putts on the back of roars from the grandstands. Many on the NBC broadcast compared his engagement with the crowd with that of prime Tiger Woods.

His popularity isn’t strictly tied to his recent stellar major tournament play. The LIV golfer has embraced social media, specifically YouTube, to engage with a growing, younger audience in golf. His channel, with 658k subscribers and counting, is an integral part of his journey to securing his second-ever major tournament.

When asked about YouTube, DeChambeau admitted that it has helped him grow the game and his relationship with golf fans. 

“Consequently I think people have seen who I am on YouTube, which has been fantastic, 'cause then I get to play off of it,” he said in Sunday’s news conference.

He credited his YouTube channel as good preparation for major tournaments as well, stating that wanting to play well in front of the cameras for his subscribers helps keep his game honest when the lights are brightest.

That fan relationship on the course gave DeChambeau the necessary momentum to finish the final round strong. While McIlroy remains one of the most popular golfers in the world, chants of “USA” haunted the Irishman after missing a four-footer for par and a share of the lead on hole 18.

DeChambeau’s support, at least partially a result of him taking advantage of YouTube, did not go unnoticed. The two-time major winner acknowledged the crowd’s impact on his success.